Ch31 Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs

Question 1

Thyroid drugs should be taken when?

Answer 1

Once daily in the morning to decrease likelihood of insomnia if taken later in the day

Therapeutic response decrease symptoms of hypothyroidism improve energy levels

Question 2

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

Answer 2

Cold intolerance weight gain depression dry brittle hair and nails and fatigue

-In children cretinism
Low metabolic rate retarted growth sexual development,mental retardation
-In adults Myxedema decrease metabolic rate loss of mental and physical stamina weight gain hair loss edema yellowish of skin

Question 3

In which drug 2 weeks of therapy may be necessary before symptoms improve?

Answer 3

PTU

Question 4

Hyperthyroidism

Answer 4

Most common cause Graves’ disease
Rare Plummer disease
Multi nodular,thyroid storm-severe and potential life threatening-induced by stress or infection
Increases metabolism
Increase appetite,muscle weakness,fatigue,heat intolerance,altered menstrual flow

Question 5

Anti thyroid medication

Answer 5

Better tolerated when given with food
PTU- inhibits the conversion of t4&t3
PTU first trimester methimazole rest of pregnancy

Symptoms may indicate problems of liver

Question 6

Levothyroxine

Answer 6

Thyroid hormone replacement life long treatment
(3-4weeks to work)
Take first thing in am on empty stomach
Don’t switch brands w/o talking to provider
- cardiac dysrthmia is most significant adverse effect with signs of chest pain palpitations hypertension weight loss sweating

Question 7

Both hypo/hyper should avoid?

Answer 7

Iodine rich foods
Soybeans
Iodinized salt
Tofu
Turnips
Seafood